AFGE Local 2578

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AFGE Local 2578

Minutes: The monthly meeting of AFGE Local 2578 met at 12:04 PM, Tuesday, 30 September 2003. Meeting held in room 5220, Archives II, and room 503, Archives I. A quorum of members was present.

Roll Call of Officers: Officers present were Vernon Early, President; Peter Jeffrey, Vice President; and Theodore Hull, Secretary.

Meeting Minutes: The August meeting minutes of AFGE Local 2578 were distributed by email prior to the meeting. Minutes read and accepted without question.

Treasurers Report: The treasurer was not present; Ms. Sims will begin an extended leave of absence on October 1, 2003. Jeffrey announced that beginning October 1, 2003, until her return, he will be providing the financial reports; Ms. Deborah Edge will continue in her capacity as benefits coordinator, with some additional duties; and Hull will be membership coordinator. Jeffrey indicated that the November monthly meeting will address the Local budget for CY2004.

OLD BUSINESS:

Committee Reports: Jeffrey announced that the Volunteer Day luncheons for September 17 (Archives II) and 18 (Archives I) were canceled due to conflicts with the re-dedication of the rotunda. The luncheons will be rescheduled for a later date. Jeffrey asked that committee chairs outline volunteer opportunities and report them to him for distribution with the November newsletter.

Shop Steward Training: Jeffrey announced that the shop steward training originally scheduled for October 16-17 has been postponed until the time of the AFGE Legislative Conference in early CY2004. The change was designed to accommodate travel to DC by our shop stewards in the regions.

Representational Activities:

1) XP Workstations: Jeffrey reported that the union originally agreed when notified of the upgrade that training on XP should be provided by the agency. NHP and Signal replied that the upgrade was not significant enough to warrant training. However, after the union pointed out that the change from Windows to XP was causing a number of difficulties for staff, NHP agreed that training will take place, but not until the new computer support contract is in place, ca. November 2003. Jeffrey reminded members of Art. 15, Sec. 4(F) that supervisors will make appropriate allowances at the annual rating for work-related factors beyond the control of the employee.

2) NH Cubicle Reconfiguration: Hull reported that he has contacted a bargaining unit employee in NH who expressed concerns about a recent configuration of their workspace (rm. 4400). Jeffrey indicated that any settlement over the failure to bargain issue would have to be greater than or equal to that meted out to NPOL over a similar issue.

3) NWML Cubicle Reconfiguration: Jeffrey reported that on September 15, 2003, principle negotiator Darryl Munsey submitted traditional proposals to NWML. On September 30, Munsey received a reply from NWML indicating they want to mediate. However, the union indicated that mediation was premature and that it would be better to sit down and discuss the proposed re-configuration.

Per Capita Tax: Edge asked for clarification of AFGE Resolution VII: Per Capita Tax Increase: amended to be $2.50, plus a one-time assessment of $5 in September to build a war chest for the 2004 election. Jeffrey replied that the Local currently is assessed $13.00 per member per month by AFGE. Beginning January 1, 2004, the tax will increase to $15.50 per member per month. The increase will not affect the Local dues structure.

NEW BUSINESS:

NARA@Work: Edge reported on a National Archives Assembly sponsored program on the new NARA@Work staff homepage. She reminded members that the National Agreement is available on the staff only site (http://www.nara-at-work.gov/staff_resources_and_services/employee_resources/afge_agreement.html)

Performance Appraisals: Jeffrey reminded members of the provisions in Art. 15 Sec. 2(B), Uniform Performance Rating Periods. Management is to complete performance appraisals for the bulk of NARA employees by November 30. He also reminded members that a downgrade on even one aspect of the performance appraisal is grievable. He also reminded members that signing the NA3021 is an indication that the performance appraisal was received and discussed only – not agreed to by the employee.

Meeting adjourned 12:32 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of AFGE Local 2578 is Tuesday 28 October 2003.

Respectfully submitted 28 October 2003.

THEODORE J. HULL

Secretary

AFGE Local 2578